Massage & Aromatherapy

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ROSALINA – Melaleuca ericifolia
Closely related to Tea Tree. Known as Lavender Tea Tree.
Native to Australia. Only grows in Nth Tasmania, Bathstrait Island, Sth Victoria and along coast to Nth New South Wales.

A very new oil in aromatherapy. Steam distilled from leaves and twigs.

Ingrid Martin states: “Because of 1.8 cineole content, it is a good expectorant and its mildness makes it particularly appropriate as a remedy for respiratory infections in very young children. Its ability to rid body of mucus makes it useful for almost any kind of infection of the lungs or sinuses, including acute or chronic bronchitis, colds, influenza and sinusitis… ”

Effective sedative for children and adults.
Calms emotions
Stress-related hypertension.

Anaesthetic for insect bites.

Particularly appropriate as a respiratory remedy to be used in the late evening or before bed…. it will not interfere with sleep.

Ideal for acne, skin rashes and dandruff, particularly for people with sensitive skin.

Treat Mum to a revitalising 60-min Aromatherapy Massage.

Voucher only $60 – she can redeem it at a time convenient to her – valid for three months.

Red Beach Clinic – only 15 mins from Albany.  Phone Kirsten 021 129 4542

I have just had the opportunity to meet a bunch of inspirational people – both the competitors and the tireless volunteers.

Ages ranged from 14 (Christchurch Boys High) to 71 (Carl from Picton).  There were guys from Australia and a couple of retirees from UK and Francine from Canada (she did the North Island).

I was along for the ride to massage the competitors.  When you’re cycling from Bluff to Picton in seven days over some scary inclines and downhills, the cumulative effect on one’s muscles cannot be over-stated.

It was heartening to see the advantage a simple 10 minute sports massage can have on fatiguing muscles.  Comments recieved that we literally kept them (the competitors) going.  This event raised money for a  number of charities – namely Fallen Heroes and Heart Foundation and was open to anyone able to ride 100km in 5 hours.

What a stunning advertisement for NZ – the scenery throughout was gorgeous.  I luckily missed the start at Bluff as it was bitter.  I joined at Queenstown and travelled up through Arrowtown, staying at Wanaka.  Next day was Omarama, overnighting in Tekapo. Day 4 was on to Geraldine with a night in Methven – yummy dinner supplied by Heart Foundation and great entertainment from our travelling banjo player and his wife, a very good base player, who happened to be competing too!!!

Next was Methven to Oxford (a first for me) and lovely night at Hanmer. The weather was so settled.  A poignant Dawn Service and on to Kaikoura – what a big ride 126km – the muscles were certainly feeling it today – having riden over 600km in the last 6 days.  What a lovely backdrop mountains make for massaging!  Our last night was in Blenheim and I was kindly given a night at Henry Maxwell’s Central Lodge.    A short day on Friday – only 65km over Queen Charlotte Drive – from Blenheim to Picton.  Onto the ferry to meet the North Island competitors for finale Criterion on Saturday morning.

A couple of interesting paragraphs, from article by Shellie Enteen. RA. BA LMBT

“Salvatore Battaglia tells us that while research can help create clients who need this proof (re chemistry of essential oils) and that it can also provide recognition and legislation in favour of essential oils there are some basic problems when approaching research in this field…. most important is “The essential oils are complex pharmacologically active chemicals. The whole essential oil will have different properties fro that of any single constituent alone. Most pharmacological studies involve the use of individual chemical constituents.” (The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edn, 2003).

“A principle that describes this called the “quenching effect” wherein the presene of all chemical components may reduce the potential intensity of one component. An example would be the chemical limonene. Considered a strong skin irritant, limonene is present in many citurs and nitrus note oils where it is brought to a manageable level due to its amount relative to the other chemicals present. HOWEVER,THE FOCUS ON THE EFFECT OF LIMONENE ON ITS OWN HAS RESULTED IN LEGISLATION IN EUROPE THAT LEAVES PERFUMERS WITH THE GREAT PROBLEM OF NO LONGER BEING ABLE TO USE THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF LEMON (Citrus Limon) IN THEIR FORMULAS BECAUSE IT CONTAINS LIMONENE. MANY OF THESE PERFUMES HAVE BEEN WORN FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS WITHOUT ILL EFFECT.”

Watch out, Coasties, for a flyer from The Sanctuary. I’ve got an offer till end of May for you to try Aromatic Kinesiology for only $30! Let your body tell YOU the oil that will best assist you over the next little while – take it home.

Thanks to those of you who got your beloved a voucher for Valentine’s Day.  It really did gain you serious domestic points, didn’t it?

Now that March is here – and dare I say it – Autumn.  Remember that you can allay the change-of-season bugs with an Aromatherapy Treatment. Oh I can smell the likes of  Fragonia, Cajeput, Juniper – the list goes on.

I’m really excited – going to the South Island in Autumn!   On Saturday 20 April, cyclists will set off from Bluff to cycle the South Island in just 7 days.  (There is also a group cycling from Cape Reinga to Wellington).

I am attending as Massage Therapist.  What is great about this event, is

– it is for all ages (last year ranged from 15 to 79).

– individuals or teams compete

– it is non-elitist – you just have to be able to cycle 100km in under 5Hours.

– raises money for Charity

Go check out the website www.tourofnewzealand.co.nz

I’ll keep you posted.   I will miss the first leg of the journey – meeting them in Queenstown.  Trekking up the Island in a campervan with two fellow Massage Therapists.  What a great way to spend the first week of the school holidays.

Chakras are energy centres located along the energetic equivalent of the spinal cord.  There are seven main ones used in Aromatherapy.

Base/Root       Sacral        Solar Plexus      Heart       Throat       Third Eye        Crown

When our emotions are blocked, they become dull and sluggish – Chakras open and close according to our emotions.

Different oils resonate with each Chakra, although an Aromatherapist may intuitively choose oils for a particular Chakra.

ie German Chamomile may be used on the Throat to help you voice something without anger.

Chakras also relate to the Endocrine System – Heat Chakra relates to the Thymus.  The Thymus produces hormones (reduce as we age).  It also stimulates lymphocytes production (part of  blood white cell defense system).  Strengthens Immune System.

Do you know someone who is an angry, controlling workaholic? Indicates Solar Plexus Chakra is too open.  When back in balance, the person respects self and others, has personal power, is spontaneous.  Vetiver on Solar Plexus is particularly grounding.

Ref:

P Davis

Battaglia

B Allpress

Evidently, our lifestyle is not suiting many of us.

There are many alternatives to popping pharmaceutical drugs – maybe a visit to a Naturopath or a Herbalist.  Some people find counselling beneficial.  Others find a change in lifestyle/work essential – exercise helping greatly.

Aromatherapy is a form of Herbal Medicine.  As part of a treatment plan, Aromatherapy works well to support you whether on medication or not. An improvement can be experienced immediately or more significantly, within a three-session treatment plan – not as a one-off every time you have a birthday.

There are several Essential oils with anti-depressant properties.  Four come from the Orange Tree alone.

Sweet Orange – (Citrus aurantium sinensis) from the rind. Particularly good for perfectionist types who has little tolerance for mishaps and expect things to go wrong. (Mojay, 2000).

Petitgrain – (Citrus aurantium) – mostly from the leaves.

Valuable for insomnia.  It is best suited for use when depression has been longterm. (Davis, 1999).

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) rind of bitter orange tree. Encourages the release of pent-up feelings – that can lead to depression, insomnia, anxiety and sudden mood swings. (Mojay).

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara) from flowers of Bitter Orange.   Particularly good for hot, agitated conditions – ie palpitations and an all-round regulator of the nervous system.  Ideal for emotionally intense people who tend to feel depressed as a result of their heightened sensitivity and response to stress.  (Davis)

Other oils for an Aromatherapist to consider include Juniper, Basil, Ylang ylang and Geranium.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

An inhalation can very quickly alter one’s state of mind.  The “smell” enters the olfactory system through the nose.  It is analysed by the AMYGDALA and HIPPOCAMPUS (memory centres).  It is then sent to the relay station (HYPOTHALAMUS) responsible for sending to various parts of the brain and converted to neuro-chemicals – ie Euphoric Grapefurit stimulates the THALAMUS to secrete ENKAPHALINS – making us feel uplifted.

Essential oils can also be administered directly (diluted) to chakras or meridian points to help re-balance the body.

Commonly, they are administered in a synergistic blend.  The skin being the largest organ, a full body massage with the blend (usually three oils – particularly for emotional work) ensures the greatest amount of essential oil enters the bloodstream.  It is then important that the oils remain on for a minimum of four hours – the next day is even better.  Aromatherapy works holistically on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels simultaneously.

It is important if you are on medication that you do not alter your regime. Please disclose fully to your Aromatherapist as contra-indications may apply.  Also if symptoms are chronic or worrying a diagnosis is required by a Doctor.

References:

Aromatherapy an A-Z by Patricia Davis, 1999

Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit – A Guide to Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance through Essential Oils

by Gabriel Mojay, 1996, 2000

Any queries, please feel free to contact Kirsten 021 129 4542 or www.kpt.co.nz.

When we get stressed, the adrenal glands step up to keep us going. This is fine when required for a short period. With on-going stress, the effect on the body can catch up as a more chronic condition.

Essential Oils can help re-balance. In particular, Coniferous oils, For example, PIne, Fir, Cedarwood, Spruce and Cypress. A single oil, in carrier oil, rubbed over adrenal area (lower lumbar) can help support the adrenals or better still get a stress-busting massage – even 30 minutes – or ask an Aromatherapist about putting these oils in a footbath or bath.